Mentoring Forum Panelist - Craig Aquart
Since 2003, Craig Aquart has been a Principal at MCHarry and Associates, a 60-year old architectural firm specializing in mainly public sector work.
He is an active member of his local church and community boards with a particular interest in the positive development of underserved communities through education of the youth. Craig’s passion for the community and the profession is best demonstrated through his leadership and commitment to the Architects in the Making (AIM) Program. Determined to improve diversity and inclusivity in the architectural profession, and recognizing the need to educate middle and high school students about the importance of architecture to industrial development led to the founding of Black Architects in the Making (BAM). Less than 2% of architects are black and of that about 450 are females. This group of dedicated black professionals has a very active mentorship program with students of high school and college interns enhancing their knowledge of architecture towards a successful career. Recent statistics have seen an improvement with diversity taking place in the profession.
A graduate of the Caribbean School of Architecture, at the University of Technology (UTECH) in Kingston, Mr. Aquart relocated to the USA in 2001. He cleared many hurdles to have his Jamaican education evaluated by NCARB as being equally comparable to USA universities. With over a decade of experience, including internship requirements and a rigid study program, he completed all seven Architect Registration Examinations in one year. He encourages colleagues and students with the mantra “If I can do it ‐ so can you.”
Mr. Aquart holds many positions in the industry-related programmes in the community including his church, Homeowner’s Association, ROCC Planning Committee; the NCARB AXP and mentor to college and high school students who are considering architecture as a career alternative. He is also the recipient of several County Awards in Broward and Miami-Dade
. He holds a Master of Architecture degree and is a registered architect in Florida and
Jamaica, with more than 25 years of experience in the industry. He spends quality family time with his wife and three children.
Learn more about the growing architectural industry with opportunities for women as Craig Aquart joins us at the upcoming Women’s Empowerment Conference hosted by the Jamaican Women of Florida (JWOF) on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at the Jungle Island in Miami. Visit our website at www.jamaicanwomenofflorida for further details about our Conference.